35

37 3 1
                                    

Johnny

After weeks of being enveloped in the relentless grind of filming, I finally found a moment of spontaneity when I convinced Collin to let me take the sleek, powerful car from the set for a quick joyride. He consented with a reassuring smile, but not without reiterating the importance of returning it in pristine condition, just as I had borrowed it.

I couldn't help but think of Olivia—her vitality seemed to have dimmed significantly ever since that tense altercation between her and Carlos. Seeing someone so vibrant and full of life become shadowed by doubt and hurt was heartbreaking.

I knew she adored that car; its glossy exterior and roaring engine were the epitome of freedom and exhilaration, qualities she desperately needed to reconnect with. With that thought in mind, I invited her out, determined to spark some joy in her life again.

When I sent her the message, I was met with an immediate "yes," her enthusiasm sparking excitement as I mentally mapped out our adventure. I practically raced home, fueled by a sense of purpose and anticipation, eager to shed the burdens of professional life and bring a little sunshine back into her world.

Rushing through my preparations, I picked out my clothes carefully, wanting everything to be just right for Olivia as I envisioned her radiant smile lighting up the evening and washing away the remnants of the past that haunted her.

Once I got to her hotel, I noticed her right outside the doors talking to the concierge, her animated gestures suggesting an enthusiasm that instantly captivated anyone nearby.

Even from a distance, I could spot her from miles away, her presence radiating magnetic energy that always drew me in. It was like a force field that effectively cut through the noise and chaos of the surrounding world.

With her delicate, sun-kissed hair cascading over her shoulders and her vibrant spirit evident even in how she stood, she held an allure that was hard to ignore. With her back towards me, I sat in the driver's seat, unable to contain my excitement, and shouted, "Slim!"

In an instant, she spun around, and the moment our eyes met, I was once again struck by those dark brown orbs, so bright and sparkling, almost inviting me into her world. Her smile widened as she ran to the passenger side door with playful excitement, making the air around us crackle. "Are we taking this to our destination?" she asked, her voice imbued with a giddy anticipation mirrored my own.

I nodded yes, feeling a rush of adrenaline as she hopped in, waving goodbye to the concierge she had just been chatting with, leaving a lingering sense of joy in her wake. "How did you convince them to let you take this?" she inquired with curiosity and disbelief as we peeled away from the hotel, the city sprawling before us.

"It didn't take much to convince them. I might have told a small white lie and said it would help me get into character," I admitted playfully, feeling an infectious laughter erupt between us as the miles melted away. Her hand gripped my bicep, sending jolts of electricity coursing through me. This innocent gesture made my heart speed up in chaotic rhythms, each thump underscoring the thrill of moments yet to be discovered together as the adventure unfolded on the open road ahead.

The scenery whizzed by, but it didn't matter; all that mattered was the bubble we had created—the laughter, the connection, the exhilarating uncertainty of where we were headed together.

"Where are we going?" she asked me, her curiosity dancing in the cool breeze that swept through the open car.

"Just for a drive," I told her with a hint of mystery in my voice, and without another word, we embarked on the PCA scenic route, the sun dipping low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the palm-lined roads.

The moment's exhilaration hit us like a wave as we let the warm LA weather envelop us, the sensation intensified by the top being down

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

The moment's exhilaration hit us like a wave as we let the warm LA weather envelop us, the sensation intensified by the top being down. Bob Marley's soothing yet upbeat melodies filled the space around us, his timeless words bringing an infectious energy that made it impossible not to join in as we belted out, "Don't worry about a thing...because every little thing...is going to be alright!"

I took a moment to steal a glance at her—a snapshot of joy, her wide smile bright enough to rival the sun's rays, her arms thrown up in the air as if embracing the freedom of the open road. The wind whipped through our hair, intertwining our laughter with the rustling leaves and distant sounds of the city, creating a soundtrack of pure bliss. I laughed heartily, feeling like I could reach out and touch the clouds; my spirit lifted to heights I hadn't felt in ages. One hand rested firmly on the steering wheel, while the other tapped rhythmically against the side of the convertible, the beat echoing our carefree attitude.

It felt like time stood still—no past, no future, just the two of us, the road ahead, and the boundless possibilities of where this adventure might take us. Every curve in the road seemed to lead us deeper into not just the landscape but into a shared experience that effortlessly solidified our connection, a reminder that sometimes the journey itself is the destination, alive with laughter, music, and the thrill of the unknown.

"Stop there!" she exclaimed, her finger jabbing toward the glowing In-N-Out sign that flickered invitingly in the twilight.

I stared at her, momentarily perplexed by her sudden enthusiasm for the fast-food chain. But her excitement was infectious, and I found myself shrugging off my confusion and following her lead, intrigued by what was unfolding.

As we pulled into the drive-thru, I noticed the young kid taking the orders through the speaker nearly drop his pad at the sight of her—his wide eyes and slack jaw made it clear he recognized the iconic actress and celebrity sitting beside me. "Holy fuck, you're Olivia Moore," he stammered, a mix of awe and disbelief coloring his tone.

She leaned closer to me, her body brushing gently against mine, and offered a warm, playful smile that lit up her features. "I am," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of mischief as if relishing the moment. She effortlessly belted out our order, her demeanor carefree and confident, as I tried to shake off the shock of the exchange.

Once we secured the food—bag laden with burgers, fries, and milkshakes—we searched for a quiet spot to indulge away from the prying eyes of fans and onlookers. Eventually, we found a secluded parking lot under the glow of a streetlamp, where the air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of fast food and the lingering thrill of spontaneity. Settling down in the car, the day's tension melted as we unwrapped our meals.

TO HAVE & HAVE NOTWhere stories live. Discover now